What Are Corns On Feet?

Corns on the feet are bumps that consist of thick, hardened layers of skin. They tend to form on bony areas of the feet, especially on the tops and sides of toes. Some foot corns have a hard center, also called a core. The bumps are typically round and relatively small. Friction and pressure on the feet are the most common causes of corns. Wearing shoes that slip and rub against the skin on the feet can result in a corn. Shoes that squeeze the feet can also cause corns.

There are three different types of corns:

• Hard corns are the most common type of foot corn. As the name suggests, hard corns feel hard to the touch. They form most often on the tops of toes.
• Soft corns are pliable and soft to the touch. They usually form between toes.
• Seed corns are very small and typically form on the soles of feet.

Contrary to popular belief, corns are not the same thing as calluses although the two are often confused. While both corns and calluses form because of friction and pressure, and both consist of hardened skin, there are some key differences.

• Calluses are more common on the soles of the feet while corns are more common on the tops and sides of the toes.
• Calluses tend to be large, covering a significant area of the sole of the foot. Corns, on the other hand, tend to be small.
• Corns are often painful to the touch while calluses aren’t usually tender or sensitive.
• There’s often inflammation on or around a corn while calluses don’t usually become inflamed. 

WHAT CAUSES A FOOT CORN?

Foot corns form due to pressure and friction against bony areas of the feet, usually the toes. The most common culprit of foot corns is ill-fitted shoes that are too loose or too tight. Loose shoes can cause the foot to slide around and rub against the shoe. Tight shoes, on the other hand, can squeeze the feet, including the toes, causing pressure.

Socks that don’t fit right and slip around can cause friction. Wearing shoes without socks can also lead to friction since the foot doesn’t have a protective layer between the skin and shoe.

Individuals with health conditions that cause abnormal alignment of the bones in the feet may be at a higher risk of corns. These conditions include arthritis, bunions and hammertoes.

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